Justice Carrico is dead at 96

Justice Carrico was the longest serving justice and chief justice in the court’s history. He served 42 years on the court, 22 as chief justice. Retiring in 2003, he continued to serve as a senior justice.

Justice Carrico’s death was confirmed in a statement from Gov. Bob McDonnell. Justice Carrico “lived a life of public service,” McDonnell said.

“When he stepped down after 42 years at the age of 86, it was reported that he continued to wake up at 4:15 a.m., bike six miles, and make it in to the office before 7:00 am, where he continued to serve as a senior justice. This incredible dedication, and an energy and vigor for public service are attributes that all Virginians should strive to emulate,” McDonnell said.

After retirement from the court, Justice Carrico also served as a visiting professor of law and civic engagement at the University of Richmond law school.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli also noted Justice Carrico’s passing. “Justice Carrico served on Virginia’s Supreme Court through tremendous changes, as Virginia grew into the modern state that it has become,” Cuccinelli said.

McDonnell ordered the state flag to be flown at half-staff on all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in Virginia until his burial.